MISSIONS 


IN SOUTH INDIA 
& Amnons the Ee 


uy 25 we 
NA Siz WZ 


AMERICAN: BAPTIST: MISSIONARY- UNION 
BOSTON - MASS - U-S-A 


-YLON 
Colombo 


MAP OF INDIA 


Showing relations of the Telugu country to other 
portions of the empire 


Meigs einOeheleCeAtl Sorte kwvlelyS 


MISSIONS IN 
SOUTH INDIA 


Pag Op NeGeee ba lier on lek leUsGe OES 


BY 


fiev. 1. %. Boggs, D.D. 


AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY UNION 
TREMONT TEMPLE, BOSTON 
MASSACHUSETTS 


Ackuomledainent 


OR the text of the accompanying sketch we acknowl- 
edge our indebtedness to Rev. W. B. Boggs, D.D., 
of Ramapatam, South India, whose identification 
with our Telugu Mission for more than twenty-five years 
enables him to write with vividness and power of the 
great crises through which the mission has passed and 
the marvelous success which has led to its classification 
Nearly all of 


among the “miracles of modern missions.” 


the illustrations have been reproduced from photographs 
sent us by missionaries on the field. To all who have 
thus contributed we express our sincere thanks. 


Abdnitinnal Iufurmatinn 


OR those who wish a more detailed account of this 

mission we recommend ‘“ A Tlistory of the Telugu 

Mission,” by Rev. D. Downie, D.D. The Annual 
Report of the Union and the current numbers of THE 
Baprisy MIsstONARY MAGAZINE are indispensable also to 
all who wish to keep in touch with present developments. 
No statistics are given, as constant changes soon render 
them out of date. For such information readers are 
referred to the current Handbook of the Union, 


Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2023 with funding from 
Columbia University Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/missionsinsouthiO0bogg 


Sd 


REV. D. DOWNIE, D.D. RiEWVerle JE VV EspD mor REY. J. E. CLOUGH RRs 
REV. J. McLAURIN, 0.D. RiEV.«S; Si DAY. REV. W, B. BOGGS, D.D. 


MISSIONS IN SOUTH INDIA 
Among the Telugus 


Introduction 


NLY sixty-four years have elapsed since 
this remarkably pfosperous mission was 
commenced at Nellore in South India, 
and only thirty-seven years since the 
dawn of the new period, when the time 
of barrenness gave place to that of abun- 
dant harvests. Complaint is sometimes 
made that mission work advances too 

slowly; but when we contemplate the marvelous 

changes which these few decades have brought about in 
this mission the wonder is not at the length but at the 
shortness of the time. 

It will be profitable to review the principal events 
embraced in the history of this movement. It is a 
history so signally manifesting God’s overruling provi- 
dence and directing hand that it ought never to be 
forgotten by our churches. Nothing in missionary 
records is better adapted to stimulate interest in the 
expansion of the Redeemer’s kingdom and confirm the 
faith of God’s people as to the ultimate triumphs of 
the gospel. Especially ought all our young people to 
be made acquainted with the story of the “‘ Lone Star ”’ 
Mission, 


Miles sulLO ANTS IN DAO) Un iar INDIA 


The Country 


India! the far-famed; the land of hoary antiquity; 
of vast and various populations and manifold tongues; 
a land ‘‘ full of idols,’ and at the same time the place of 
subtle philosophies and of a literature almost immeas- 
urable in its extent; where the deepest poverty exists 
side by side with oriental splendor; where foulest 
squalor lurks beneath the very shadows of palaces and 
temples and mosques and mausolea of matchless 
beauty ; 


Where the gorgeous East with richest hand, 
Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold. 


Such in outline is the wonderful land of India. It is 
the birthplace of the two greatest ethnic religions in the 
world, Hinduism and Buddhism. It has been coveted 
and sought after by conquering powers, from Alex- 
ander the Great till the present time, and it has been a 
rich emporium of trade from the time of King Solomon 
until now. 

The country of the Telugus is a part of this great 
land of India, a land which embraces one fifth of the 
human race. The population of India, according to the 
last census, 1s almost 300,000,000; the normal increase 
is about 27,000,000 every ten years; the daily death 
rate is upwards of 28,000. 

The word Telugu may be a modification of Telinga or 
Telingana, the name of a portion of South India which 
once formed a kingdom ruled over by powerful rajas. 
An important former capital of this kingdom was the 
fortress and city of Warangul, now in the Hyderabad 
State, near Hanamakonda, one of our mission stations. 
The massive remains testify to the former wealth and 
power of this kingdom of Telingana. It was subjugated 
hundreds of years ago by Mohammedan invaders from 
the great Mogul Empire in the north of India. 

The area where the Telugu language is now spoken 
embraces a range of country on the east coast, begin- 

6 


X oe Udluru 
Xx YI 


ix 


@ Meéedduck 


Se 8 secur 


Vw li Y 
Hyderabad Vy WIR ends, 
UUacy KVivoeg | y y ys Jes 


f Yo A TEES 
WiKibe Cerne, 
LZ xewe BE Cyintalapndi © 


Nujevedu 
e 


x 7 Y, / 
am Narianapett 
y F NO Dayerakonda 5 


Y Palmur? 
isw$w$pnfssto,,gg 


5 So pelts li —— n 
Gurzalla Sattanapalli 
_ 7 Gudvale S cunea? 


aichur Pangall¢ Z d ze 
LECT < < Te 


hese 
e 
Scio he jets 


lampur 
Atmakur ® 


Nandyal >: 
bd y Kottapatam 


Banaganpilly ® e@Gogallapalli 


Gutti | AN | ; Kandukur ®@ | ; (BeAg Ya 


| Mutialpad 
° 


Be |/¢ Ramapatam 
@ Kavali 
ir A 


MAP SHOWING A PORTION OF 


SOUTH INDIA 


OCCUPIED BY THE TELUGUS 


li 


SCALE OF MILES 
== 


+ 

40 60 
e 

eae Chittur Gummarapudi 

Stations of the Missionary Union in x F 


thistype Madras 
Railroads thus 44-44-4444 


73 Longitude East 79 from Greenwich 80 


IM cle Spal OaNaaS IN SOA Ua Lt I No Deiges 


ning a few miles above Madras and extending some 
600 miles northward towards Bengal, and also reaching 
inland three or four hundred miles. It ineludesma 
number of large districts in the Madras Presidency and 
all the eastern part of the Hyderabad State, commonly 
called the Deccan, or the Nizam’s Dominions. In the 
southern part there is an extensive maritime plain, in 
some places seventy miles wide, with many isolated hills 
scattered here and there, beyond which lies a continuous 
range of hills known as the Eastern Ghats. Farther 
inland is the central plateau which, at Secunderabad, 
is 1,800 feet above sea level. Through the Telusa 
country three large rivers, the Godavari, the Kistna, 
and the Penaar flow to the eastward and empty into 
the Bay of Bengal. The deltas of these rivers embrace 
rice lands of vast extent and great fertility. 

The climate is very hot but for the most part not 
unhealthful. At the majority of the stations on the 
plains the average temperature is about 83 degrees, 
Farenheit. In the cool season; from December to 
February, it seldom falls much below 70 degrees, and 
in the hot season from g5 to 100 degrees is an ordinary 
temperature, although it occasionally rises to 110 
degrees. May is the hottest month in the year. 

The rainfall here is much less than in some other 
parts of India and adjacent countries. It comes 
chiefly at two periods of the year; the southwest mon- 
soon rains from June to August, and the northeast 
monsoon rains in October and November. 

Much of the country is fertile, and agriculture is the 
chief occupation of the people. The principal products 
are rice, millet, castor oil seeds, cotton, tobacco and 
chillies. 


The People 


The people whose own language is Telugu number, 
approximately, 18,000,000. Among these are descend- 
ants of the ancient Dravidian race of South India, rep- 
resented now by the low caste and non-caste people; 

8 


Bipieo ss. l= OUNS DN ee ONE) Ah Ws! Loerie bese 


and also the pure Aryan stock, whose ancestors came 
from the north, and are represented by the Brahmans and 
other high castes. Between these two extremes there are 
various classes, the chief one being the great Sudra 
caste, with its numerous subdivisions. The people, 
taken as a whole, are classed with the Indo-European 
race. Inthe shape of their heads and in the features and 
expression of their faces they bear the closest resem- 
blance to Europeans. The color is the only difference, 
and in the higher castes the 
color is generally quite light, 
many of the Brahmans and 
other high caste people being 
as light as the people of south- 
ern Europe. 

There are in certain locali- 
ties small tribes supposed to 
be descendants of the aborigi- 
nes of pouth India, as the 
Chentsus, a hill tribe inhabit- 
ing the Nulla Mulla Hills; the 
Yanadies, an extremely poor 
and degraded class, found 
chiefly in the districts near 
the seacoast; and certain 
wandering tribes resembling 
gipsies. 

Quite distinct from the 
Telugu people, both in nation- 
ality and religion, but dwell- 
ing as their neighbors in nearly Aupranmanitlacistraten Kanicini 
all the towns and villages, are 
Mohammedans, the descendants of the great conquering 
race from Arabia, Persia and Afghanistan, which, many 
centuries ago, subdued large portions of India, founded 
kingdoms, and long held sway. The men can all speak 
Telugu, but their own language is Urdu or Hindustani. 
Their religion is Islam. 

A large majority of the people are engaged in agri- 


9 


Mel So ele) aN esl SI OSUATSE UN Pais 


culture, but all the other ordinary occupations are 
found among them. There are officials, merchants, 
artisans, coolies (hired laborers) and religious devotees, 
who are usually beggars. Many are of good stature and 
fine looking; and they are a polite, good natured, 
friendly folk, so far as the bonds of caste allow them to. 
be friendly. All the men of the higher castes can read, 
but in the lower castes the illiteracy is deplorable. 
Nearly all the women of all castes are illiterate. 


The Language 


The Telugu is a principal branch of a family of 
languages of South India, known as the Dravidian, 
other important branches being Tamil and Canarese. 
These are related to each other, as Italian, Spanish and 
Portuguese. These languages, though not springing 
directly from the Sanskrit, as some of the tongues of 
India do, yet contain very many words derived from 
the rich and exhaustless vocabulary of that great lan- 
vuage. The Telugu is a regular, well-developed, copious 
language, and on account of its words ending almost 
invariably in vowel sounds, is agreeable to the ear, and 
has been called the “ Italian of the East.” 


The Religion 


The religion of the Telugus is 
that of the rest of the Hindus, 
and is commonly called Hindu- 
ism; the most pantheistic, poly- 
theistic, 1dolatrous religion in the 
world. It embraces the widest 
extremes, from the philosophic 
systems held by the learned 
down to the grosser beliefs and 
distinctly idolatrous practices of 
the great mass of the people. 
The Hindu pantheon contains 
= gods and goddesses almost in- 

ThesLiindurGodmKrenna numerable, and the land is “full 


10 


Melis. ONS Te SOM Uae ete EoN DTA 


of idols.’’ Every village and hamlet and almost every 
house and field and well has its objects of worship, the 
images of “corruptible man and of birds and four- 
footed beasts, and creeping things.’”’ The educated 
among the people, seeing the senselessness and shame 
of idolatry, will generally say in its defense that it is an 
aid to the low and ignorant in their worship; that the 
learned do not need it and do not practise it; and yet 
they are the real promoters 
of idol worship throughout 
India. They do not with 
their own hands slaughter 
the countless animals before 
the hideous idol shrines, but 
it is they who cause it to be 
done, and who bear the ex- 
pense of it. 

Of gods the most popular 
in all India is Krishna, one 
of the incarnations of Vishnu; 
and the character of Krishna, 
according to the Hindu 
sacred books, is indescribably 
bad. Of ordinary objects of 
worship two of the most com- 
mon are the images of the 
monkey god, Hanumanthuda, 
and of the cobra, the most 
venomous of serpents. The, 
images of these are simply Hantenenshiae tna Meckey God 
innumerable; and it is no 
uncommon thing to see the people of a village, with pro- 
cessions and garlands and incense, worshiping a living 
cobra. They may sometimes be seen also worshiping 
atree. The fronts of their temples and their idol cars, 
standing in the central part of the village, are often 
covered with figures as bad as the depraved imagina- 
tion of man can devise. The dreadfully debasing effect 
of such things in the name of religion may be inferred. 


It 


MISSTONS LN S$ O°U Tia See 


Pantheism and transmigration are almost universal 
beliefs among the people. The doctrine that God is 
everything and everything is God tends to obliterate all 
ideas of accountability, and to blunt the moral sense, 
until the distinction between right and wrong is almost 
lost. According to the doctrine of transmigration 
there is a round of 8,400,000 rebirths through which one 
must pass before he can be reabsorbed into deity, as a 
drop of rain is swallowed up in the ocean. 


Caste 


Converts from Five Hindu Castes 


Most of the castes into which the Hindu people are 
divided are found among the Telugus, from the proud 
Brahman, at the head of the social system, down 
through all the various grades to the lowest; and below 
all the recognized castes there is a lower stratum, the 
non-caste people. These latter also are distinctly and 
rigidly divided into two main divisions. The bonds of 
caste are exceedingly strong in this part of India, 
among the Telugus; much more so than in the north. 

Hindu caste is a very large subject. The most that 
can be done in this sketch is to indicate a few of its main 
features. This seems necessary,in order that the con- 
ditions of mission work among the Telugus may be more 
clearly understood. The people were anciently divided 
into distinct classes or clans, and were taught that their 
origin was by a separate and distinct act of the Creator. 
Nothing ever separated man from man like Hindu caste. 
It forbids their eating together or using water from the 


12 


Maks LO NS IN DEO Ue Ray PeNeD eA. 


same well. Of course intermarriage between persons 
of different castes is out of the question, and the friendly 
relations of life and ordinary social intercourse are 
stifled except in one’s own caste. As time went on the 
original castes in some way became subdivided, until 
now the number of them is almost incredible, reaching 
even into thousands. 

Caste is the most oppressive, cruel and unyielding 
social bondage 1n which human beings were ever held: 
the greatest enemy to the brotherhood of man, and the 
greatest nourisher of human pride that ever existed. 
There is nothing that the people of India cling to so 
tenaciously as their caste. Other national customs, 
and even their religion itself, they will part with before 
their caste, if indeed their religion and their caste can 
be dissociated. Caste is their last stronghold, the most 
highly prized thing in a Hindu’s existence. There is no 
disgrace so deep, no sin so great as the breaking of caste, 
and the loss of caste is worse than the loss of hfe. This 
system, as has been said, is very strong among the 
Telugu people. 


BAPTIST MISSION WORK 
Period I, 1836-1866 
Sowing and Watting 
Leading features: Faithful, arduous, persistent labors; re- 


peated reverses; long, patient waiting; hope deferred; heroic 
faith. 


THe Mission FouNDED 


The Baptists of America began mission work among 
the Telugus by sending to India. Rev. S. S. Day and 
wife in 1836. Their attention had been directed to this 
great field, and its importance urged upon them by 
Rev. Amos Sutton of the English Baptist Mission in 
Orissa, a part of India lying between the Telugu country 
.and Bengal. One other missionary society had already 
commenced work among them; namely, the London 


23 


MES Sel-O Ns Ten > OSU arL IN Sie 


Missionary Society, at Vizagapatam, in 1805. The 
Church Missionary Society began operations at Masu- 
lipatam in 1841. The American Lutheran Mission at 
Guntur was commenced in 1842. 

Mr. Day spent a year tentatively at Vizagapatam 
and Chicacole, important Telugu towns, studying the 
vernacular, and looking around for a favorable place to 
plant the mission. Then, feeling convinced that 
Madras, the capital of the presidency, would be a more 
advantageous location for the work, he removed to that 
city and remained 
there nearly three 
years, earnestly en- 
gaged in evangelistic 
efforts, in Telugu and 
in English. During 
this time he organized 
a Baptist church in 
Madras, and estab- 
lished two schools. 
But it became more 
evident that the right 
place for the mission 

Chapel atiNellore was in the heart of the 
Telugu country, and 
accordingly, in 1840, Mr. Day located it permanently at 
Nellore, a large town on the bank of the Penaar River, 
ro8 miles north of Madras. A place having been secured, 
the work was commenced and followed up with devo- 
tion and zeal. From the beginning the preaching of the 
gospel was made the chief thing. In the streets of Nellore 
and in the surrounding country the gospel message was 
constantly delivered. But though preaching was the 
principal work the teaching of the young was not 
neglected. 

Rev. Mr. Van Husen and wife joined the mission soon 
after its location at Nellore. The first convert was 
baptized in 1841; and the Nellore church was organized , 
in 1844, composed of eight members. The work was 


14 


Melo. lO NS LN Se Ome Ware ONS Dea 


slow and difficult. The heathen multitudes around 
were full of their own superstitions and were indifferent 
to the gospel. Idolatry has an exceedingly hardening 
effect on the human heart. Hinduism confronted the 
missionaries like a great mountain of adamant. Under 
these conditions the mission began its course. 


DIsCOURAGEMENTS 


One of the first discouragements was jatlure of health 
among the missionaries. After only four or five years 
inthe country the health of Mr. Van Husen so com- 
pletely failed that he and his wife were obliged to 
return to America, and they were never able to resume 
work in India. Only a few months after this, near the 
close of 1845, Mr. Day also became so ill that a journey 
to America was deemed necessary, and he had to leave 
the new and struggling mission in the charge of those 
who afterwards proved quite unreliable. His absence 
from India extended to three years, and there was no 
missionary to take his place. The little flock which 
had been gathered at Nellore was scattered, and what 
had been gained was almost completely lost. 

In 1848 Mr. Day had regained his health sufficiently 
to warrant his return to India, and with him went Rev. 
Lyman Jewett and wife, whose names are cherished 
household words in the Telugu Mission. To them was 
granted a long period of service, extending to nearly 
forty years, and the record of their labors is closely 
woven with the history of the mission. 

Returning to Nellore Mr. Day gathered up the frag- 
ments of the work, brought together again the scattered 
remnants of the little church and went on with his 
apostolic labors, assisted by Mr. Jewett as soon as his 
knowledge of the language enabled him to help. They 
itinerated much, preaching the gospel and distributing 
tracts and Scripture portions in every village. Many 
of the people listened well; often there was cold indif- 
ference and hardness; sometimes ridicule and even 
violent opposition. They often had to exclaim, ‘* Who 


15 


Milos Sel OgNes 1 AN DOR Ue et I Nepal 


hath believed our report?’’ In five years more (1853) 
Mr. Day was again prostrated by sickness, and, return- 
ing to America, was never well enough to go back to his 
loved work. 

Another discouragement was the lack of results. The 
first twenty-five years of the mission’s history, that is, 
from its location at Nellore, were one protracted trial 
of faith. The results were exceedingly small. Earnest 
labors were continued year after year; the gospel seed 
was sown widely, both in the streets and lanes of Nellore, 
and in all the villages that could be reached in extensive 


Telugu Farmer— Sudra Caste 


journeys. It was a time of continued sowing, but 
scarcely any reaping. Everything that could be done 
was done, both in preaching and teaching, in private 
conversations, in the employment of the best native 
assistants available, in the distribution of Christian 
books, and by means of schools; but the results were 
most discouraging. The field was unproductive; the 
people were joined to their idols, and had no mind to 
accept the gospel of Christ. Those were the days that 
tested the faith of God’s servants. 

One of the most severe trials was the repeated pro- 

16 


Meteors 1 OUN:S Le Spe Un be Eb Dons Dets A. 


posal to abandon the mission, because of its continued 
unfruitfulness. Deputations sent out to visit the 
missions in Asia included in their visitation the Telugu 
Mission; but were unable on their return home to report 
anything favorable enough to warrant its continuance. 
As early as 1846 its abandonment was seriously con- 
sidered, and the decision not to take such a step, at 
least for the present, was chiefly due to Mr. Day, who 
protested most earnestly against its discontinuance. 
And even as late as 1862, for the period of barrenness 
had not yet passed, the proposal was again made to give 
it up. At the anniversary of the Union, held that year 
in Providence, R. I., a resolution was introduced to 
abandon the Telugu Mission. By earnest request of 
the Secretary, Dr. Warren, it was resolved to await the 
arrival of Dr. Jewett who was then on his way to Amer- 
ica. When he appeared before the Board his deep 
conviction that there was a great blessing in store for 
the mission, and his fixed resolve never to “give it tip, SO 
far as he was concerned, but to return to India and lay 
down his life for it, if necessary, saved it again. If the 
Union could but have seen what a cloud, “ big with 
mercy,’ was even then hovering over it, and how near 
the time of blessing was! 


Tome sLONE STAR” 


This epithet of the mission, a term which has become 
so widely known and used in mission circles, had its 
origin in the following circumstances. At the annual 
meeting of the Missionary Union, held at Albany in 
1853, the condition and prospects of the Telugu Mission 
were under consideration. There was then but one 
station, Nellore, which in contrast with the missions in 
Burma and elsewhere, seemed very small and dis- 
couraging. One of the speakers, pointing to Nellore, 
on the missionary map hung above the platform, spoke 
Opiteassa | lone star (this, as well ‘as the stations in 
Burma and Assam, being marked by stars). Dr. 5S. F. 
Smith, the author of ‘“‘ The Morning Light is Breaking’’; 


17 


Male SeoeleONn IN SOP Crake cl I NeDiia 


“Yes, My Native Land, I Love Thee’’; “ My Country, 
tis of Thee,’ etc., was present. His poetic mind at 
once caught up the words “lone star,’ and before 
he slept that night he had woven them into the 
following : — 


Shine on, “ Lone Star!” Thy radiance bright 
Shall spread o’er all the eastern sky; 

Morn breaks apace from gloom and night; 
Shine on, and bless the pilgrim’s eye. 


Shine on, ‘‘ Lone Star !’’ I would not dim 
The light that gleams with dubious ray; 
The lonely star of Bethlehem 
Led on a bright and glorious day. 


Shine on, “‘ Lone Star!” in grief and tears, 
And sad reverses oft baptized; 

Shine on amid thy sister spheres; 
Lone stars in heaven are not despised. 


Shine on, “‘ Lone Star!’’ Who lifts his hand 
To dash to earth so bright a gem, 

A new “ lost pleiad ’”’ from the band 
That sparkles in night’s diadem? 


Shine on, ‘“‘ Lone Star!’’ The day draws near 
When none shall shine more fair than thou; 
Thou, born and nursed in doubt and fear, 
Wilt glitter on Immanuel’s brow. 


Shine on, ‘‘ Lone Star!” till earth redeemed, 
In dust shall bid its idols fall; 

And thousands, where thy radiance beamed, 
Shall “ crown the Saviour Lord of all.” 


These verses were read in the meeting the next day 
and produced a deep and manifest effect. Before the 
close of the meetings the following resolution was 
passed: “ That the Telugu Mission be continued and 
suitably reenforced, providing that, in the judgment of 
the Board of Managers, it can be done consistently with 
the claims of southern Burma.’ 


18 


Nelo: 5 10 Ns INE Oe seas Lane Deis 


PRAYER MBETING HILL 


This is a spot 1n Ongole which possesses a peculiar 
interest for those acquainted with the earlier history of 
the mission. There are no natural features about it 
particularly attractive. It is a stony eminence over- 
looking the town, its only vegetation being some serubby 
bushes of thorn and prickly pear. From the summit 
there is an extensive prospect in every direction over 
the broad surrounding plain, where scores of villages 


Hindu Temples, Ongole, showing Prayer Meeting Hill in the distance, on the left 


may be counted. A small plot has been enclosed with a 
wall and some* ornamental trees have been planted. 
But why do we call it ‘“‘ Prayer Meeting Hill,” and what 
are its sacred associations? 

In the latter part of 1853 Dr. and Mrs. Jewett and 
three Telugu Christian helpers were itinerating in that 
region, preaching the gospel daily in and around Ongole 
and in the neighboring villages, patiently and lovingly 
pointing the people to the world’s Saviour. On the 
first day of January, 1854, before the rising of the sun, 


19 


MileS Salt ORNeS IN 92 O Uses IN Doles 


they went up to the top of this hill, and gazed around 
over the populous plain, where there was not at that 
time one follower of Christ. Dr. Jewett opened the 
Bible, and read some passages adapted to strengthen 
faith and inspire hope. Then they all knelt, and with 
very full hearts and intense desire prayed for God’s 
blessing on the preaching of the gospel, and especially 
that a missionary might be sent to Ongole. Besides 
Mrs. Jewett, who now (1904) resides in Fitchburg, 
Mass., the only survivor of that band is Juha of Nellore. 


High Caste Woman Julia of Nellore 


She remembers vividly with what holy fervor Dr. 
Jewett pleaded with God for the salvation of the people 
and the planting of the gospel at Ongole. The answer 
to those prayers will appear later in this outline of the 
history of the mission. 

Visiting friends from America and elsewhere who 
come to Ongole are always taken up to Prayer Meeting 
Hill, and mingle their prayers and praises with those of 
the missionaries on that sacred spot. 


Lone YEARS OF PATIENT LABOR 


Year after year Dr. and Mrs. Jewett and their faithful 
Telugu helpers labored on in the patience of hope. 
Their hands and hearts were full. There were accessions 


20 


Peles o- lO N-S EN SHO eU) che Et INS lee: 


to the little church occasionally; and how they rejoiced 
and thanked God for each convert! A long interval 
passed, with the addition of only one family to the 
missionary force. In 1855 Rev. F. A. Douglass and 
wife arrived at Nellore, and continued in India ten 
years, doing good service. Mr. Douglass made long 
evangelistic journeys to the north and elsewhere. In 
March, 1862, Dr. Jewett, after fourteen years in India, 
much broken down in health, and also on account of 
the serious illness of one of his children, embarked 
with his family for America, Mr. and Mrs. Douglass 
being the only missionaries left on the field. Just 
before the departure of Dr. Jewett the first Telugu 
minister was ordained, N. Kanakiah of Nellore. 


OccuPATION of ONGOLE 


The time was drawing near for the answer to the 
prayers of years. Faithful servants of God, both in 
India and America, with burdened hearts, had long 
cried for a spiritual harvest and the enlargement and 
prosperity of the mission. The petitions which arose 
like incense from Prayer Meeting Hill were soon to be 
granted. 

The Board having resolved not to abandon the mission, 
but to send Dr. Jewett back to the field as soon as he 
was able to go, decided also to send another missionary 
with him; and so, when he returned to India in 1864, 
he was accompanied by Rev. John E. Clough and wife. 
They reached Nellore in April, 1865. After a little 
more than a year at that station Dr. and Mrs. Clough 
removed to Ongole, seventy-three miles north of Nellore, 
and there planted a mission station, which was destined 
fOuWesthe center Of a great movement. Ongole is a 
town of about 10,000 inhabitants, the headquarters of 
the subcollectorate of Nellore District. It is ten miles 
from the seacoast, on the high road to the north. The 
East Coast Railway, which connects Madras and Cal- 
cutta, passes through Ongole. 


2I 


Mets 5 LeO SINGS IN ROS Ute leecd. I Nebpsiee 


Period II, 1867-1892 
The Great Harvests 


Leading features: The prayers of many years answered; a 
great awakening; multitudes casting away their idols and con- 
fessing Christ; rapid increase and expansion. 


THE REAPING BEGUN 


The remarkable ingathering of Telugu converts 
which has awakened such wide interest in the Christian 
world may be said to have begun with the conversion 
and baptism of a man and his wife belonging to the poor 
despised Madigas, one of the divisions of the non-caste 
people. They were received during a visit of Drs. 
Jewett and Clough to Ongole in 1866. These were the 
first converts from that class; their home was at a 
village called Talakondapaéd, about forty miles west of 
Ongole. The man, a trader in skins, had first heard 
the truth of Christ from missionaries of the Church of 
England at Ellore, a town farther north, during trading 
journeys in those parts. He received the truth with 
the liveliest interest, and sought most earnestly the 
evangelization of his people. When he heard that 
two missionaries had come to Ongole he and his wife 
immediately started off with intense desire to meet 
them. His conversion was so clear, and also that of 
his wife, that the missionaries unhesitatingly baptized 
them. After this the Telugu evangelists made several 
visits to that part of the field and had a most encour- 
aging hearing. 

In January, 1867, during one of the earliest evangel- 
istic tours which Dr. Clough made after settling at 
Ongole, he and the preachers who were with him came 
to Talakondapad, the village of the two converts men- 
tioned above. Here they found many of the same 
class ready to hear, and a number who professed to be 
already believing in Christ and wishing to be baptized. 
Then followed five days of deeply interesting meetings 
in the grove where the tent was pitched, and the result 


22 


Mele o-1°QO: N.S EN SOL UST ToN@ DS IgA 


was a religious awakening of very marked power. At 
the close twenty-eight persons were baptized, and 
these proved to be the forerunners of a long succession 
of converts during the following years, numbering tens of 
thousands. The work spread into many villages, and 
the Madigas began to come in large numbers. This 
became a great movement, which has continued with 
more or less momentum to the present time. 


SoME CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MOVEMENT 


It was confined, not exclusively, but very largely, 
to the non-caste people, or depressed classes. These 
are not included among the regular Hindu castes, and 
therefore are not recognized as having any social posi- 
tion in the body of the Hindu people. They have for 
ages been kept in an abject position and in utter igno- 


Madiga Christian House, Sattanapalli 


rance, and are despised by the higher castes. Of these 
non-caste people there are two main divisions, the 
Malas and the Madigas. The former are sometimes 
contemptuously called Pariahs. Their principal occu- 
pation is the weaving of common cotton cloths, but 
very many of them are domestic servants and day 
laborers. The hereditary occupation of the Madigas is 


23 


Ma JeSeoeltOrNes Teh So Oa? i LN aie 


working in leather, trading in skins, tanning, making 
shoes, etc. Their occupation and also they themselves 
are despised by the high caste people; and it must be 
admitted that the dwellings and manner of life of the 
Madigas in their heathen state are often such as to 
account for the loathing of the Brahmans. Both the 
Malas and Madigas are addicted to eating the flesh of 
the cattle that die of disease. It sometimes requires 
repeated instruction and considerable effort to induce 
the converts to abstain from this practice, so long have 
they and their fathers been accustomed to it. 

It is a fact that family and clan relationships had 
more or less to do with the movement just mentioned. 
The people felt an impulse to come because many of 
their own people were coming; and coming, they heard 
and believed. It is exactly in accordance with the 
character of the people of India; they are not disposed 
to act alone, but move in masses. 


A SIGNIFICANT Fact 


The fact that in this mission the truth of Christ was 
first embraced by these poor, ignorant and despised 
people, and that the great multitudes who have since 
followed are chiefly of this class, is a significant one. 
The gospel has been preached to all; to the educated, 
aristocratic Brahmans, the Pharisees of India; to the 
sordid, grasping merchant class; to the people of the 
great Sudra caste, the agriculturists and artisans; but 
all these higher classes have, chiefly on account of caste, 
refused to embrace the Christian faith, and the vast 
majority of the converts up to this tme are from the 
poor Malas and Madigas. This is not what man would 
have planned. He would naturally have chosen the 
respectable, educated, influential classes as the material 
out of which to form Christian churches in India. But 
God’s ways are not man’s ways, and in this movement 
we have a striking illustration of the statement in 
t Cor. 1. 26-29. No words could more aptly describe 
the condition of those who have become followers of 


24 


Mee. 1 ONS LEN oe Om UN i EL eNotes 


Christ in the Telugu Mission, or the estimation in 
which they are held by the high caste people: ‘“‘ foolish,” 
eweak, base, despised,” and “ things which‘ are 
not.’ Thus the work has followed the course divinely 
indicated, and the above epithets instead of being 
reproaches are really credentials. 

There is a question which often occurs to those who 
have been long and intimately acquainted with this 
movement. It is this: If the non-caste people had not 
then entered the Christian fold how could they ever have 
found admission? If the churches had been composed 
primarily of high 
caste converts, it 
is hard to see how 
the despised non- 
castes and out- 
castes could have 
been admitted to 
the equal rights 
and privileges, the 
full fellowship 
which Christianity 
requires, without 
the greatest diff- 
culties. Now, how- 
ever, the Christian community, though of such humble 
origin, is by civilization and education and Christian 
character gradually rising to a position where it will no 
longer be despised, and where it will not involve social 
degradation for the caste people to come into its fellow- 
ship. Already in some places the Christians are attain- 
ing to such a stage that they are regarded, even by some 
of their high caste neighbors, as respectable citizens. 
This is a very wonderful social change for India. 


Schoolhouse at Cumbum 


THE INGATHERING CONTINUES 


Fruitful years followed, in which the laborers were 
often cheered with the joy of harvest. The gospel was 
preached in every town and village over a very wide 


25 


Mel SesaleO UN Ss TaN 0 OU laEt Tl N® Dee 


range, and converts multiplied steadily and in large 
numbers. Itinerating was a very important part of 
the work of the missionaries. 

In 1869 a new station was opened, at Ramapatam, 
making the third station in the mission; and the first 
missionary settled there was Rev. A. V. Timpany, who 
did excellent service both in the American, and after- 
wards in the Canadian Baptist Telugu Mission. When 
Dr. Clough went home on furlough in 1872, Rev. John 
McLaurin who had reached the country in 1870 was 
appointed to the charge of Ongole, and for two years he 
zealously and successfully carried on the work in that 
great field, during which time 1,081 converts were added 
to the Ongole Church. 

From the year 1873 reenforcements began to come in 
increasing numbers. The mission was now prosperous, 
and it awakened a deep interest in America. It was at 
the end of 1873 and early in the following year that 
Revs. D. Downie, R. R. Williams and W. W. Campbell, 
with their wives, arrived in India. Mr. Campbell 
became the pioneer mussionary in they Deccancgu 
Wilhams gave thirteen years of very earnest work to the 
theological seminary at Ramapatam; and Dr. Downie 
has been a missionary at the Nellore station and treas- 
urer of the mission for thirty years. It was also in this 
year (1873) that Allur was formed into a separate 
station, with Rev. E. Bullard as its first resident mis- 
sionary. Kurnool, a large town 168 miles west of 
Ongole, was occupied as a station of the mission in 
1875, by Rev. D. H. Drake, and after him came Rev, 
F. E. Morgan. On the good foundation laid by these, 
others have built. 


THE RAMAPATAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 


Soon after the days of abundant reaping began, the 
need of evangelists, pastors and teachers for the new 
Christian communities springing up on every hand, 
commenced to be felt. The converts were urgently calling 
for teachers and guides, those who could instruct them 

26 


Meieo of1.O NS LEN SMO dhasl TON Die lea: 


in the truths of Christianity and lead them in the ways of 
Christian living. Surrounded by unbelieving Hindus, 
and constantly beset by the power of old customs, they 
felt helpless, if left without shepherds. The mission- 
aries recognized this as a real and pressing need. To 
leave to themselves these large numbers, who were but 
babes in Christ, would be almost to insure their relapse. 
Efforts were therefore made to meet the need. It was 


Ramapatam Teological Seminary 


decided to establish a theological school for the training 
of a native ministry. Thus the necessities of the case 
placed the theological seminary before the college. 
Ramapatam was the place selected, Mr. Timpany was 
appointed to commence the work, and in 1872 the 
school was opened. Ramapatam is a village quite near 
the seashore, forty-five miles north of fellore. Previous 
to 1870 the headquarters of the stibcollector of the 


27 


Males 52120 aN yD IN Osea ] Ne Dale 


district were here; but in that year they were trans- 
ferred to Ongole, and the fine large compound of over 
roo acres, which had been occupied by the government, 
was secured for the mission. No more suitable situation 
for the seminary could have been found in the whole 
mission. It is roomy, healthful, remote from the dis- 
tractions of a large town, and living is comparatively 
inexpensive. 

When Dr. Clough went home on furlough in 1872,one of 
the chief objects which he had 1n view was to secure an en- 
dowment for the seminary, and in this he was successful. 

Rev. R. R. Wiliams, having been designated espe- 
cially for the work of the seminary, reached India at 
the end of 1873, and gave himself with great energy to 
the school. During his second term: “ol serviccuse 
Willams erected a fine new building, having secured the 
amount required for it during his furlough in 1881-2. 
He was succeeded in 1886 by Rev. W. B. Boggs, and 
since 1895 Rev. J. Heinrichs has efficiently and suc- 
cessfully conducted the affairs of the institution. 

As may be inferred from the conditions under which 
the seminary was begun, its work at the first was very 
elementary. The candidates for the ministry were for 
the most part those who had enjoyed scarcely any edu- 
cational advantages previously. But though thus 
poorly prepared to enter the seminary, the urgent néed 
in hundreds of villages was such that there could be no 
hesitation about receiving those who seemed really 
called and adapted to this work. Thev were given 
such a course of instruction as they were able to receive, 
especially in the Bible, and sent out; and many of them 
did excellent work. In the vears that have followed, 
the standard in the seminary has been steadily raised 
as seemed desirable. The course of study covers four 
years, and embraces the chief departments of ordinary 
theological instruction. Last year (1903) there were 
t1g students in the classes. From the beginning the 
seminary course has been open to the wives of married 
students, and many have successfully taken it, 

28 


Vez lO NS IN Sees leaky TANS Dalen: 


THE GREAT FAMINE 


One of the memorable famines of modern times in 
South India began in the year 1876, through failure of 
the rains, and continued throughout 1877 and into the 
following year. India has been subject to such visita- 
tions from time immemorial. All agriculture, except 
where there is artificial irrigation, is so very dependent on 
the periodic rains that when these fail there is inevitable 
scarcity. If, six months later, when rain is again due, it 
should again fail, then there is famine; and if the rain is 
withheld the second year, there is severe famine, and 
multitudes are bound to die. Millions of the people are 
always, even in the best times, so very near the verge of 


Famine Sufferers, Udayagiri 


actual want that when crops fail over a considerable 
area they are very soon precipitated into a state of 
starvation. This is exactly what happened in 1876-8. 
It was a time of widespread and dire distress. In spite 
of all the help that came from abroad, especially from 
the Mansion House Fund in London, which furnished 
upwards of £600,000 sterling, and notwithstanding all 
that the British Government in India could do, the 
deaths attributable to this famine, directly and in- 
directly, were estimated at more than 3,000,000. 

The famine was an exceedingly trying time for the 
mission. The missionaries had their hands full with 
constant efforts to save as many as possible from the 


29 


MESS OeNeS LN OU abe I Nebaiee 


awful death of starvation; and the burden on their 
hearts, from the sight of such widespread and often 
unrelievable suffering, was almost enough to break 
down the strongest men. Much assistance was rendered 
by the missionaries to the government officials in the 
distribution of famine relief, and was duly appreciated. 
As all the mission stations were involved in the dire 
calamity, all the missionaries shared in this work of 
famine relief, Dr. Downie of Nellore being secretary of 
the Central Relief Gommittee. 

The Buckingham Canal, which runs from Madras 
nearly 200 miles to the northward, near the east coast, 
was being dug at that time; and in order to provide 
work for as many Christians and others as possible, and 
so save their lives, Dr. Clough took a contract for a few 
miles of this canal. To this work a great number of the 
Christians came from their distant homes, and with 
them a multitude of their heathen relatives. The 
preachers were the overseers, and every evening they 
preached in the encampment. On the Lord’s Day 
Christian worship was regularly maintained, and thus the 
gospel was proclaimed to the people, both Christian and 
non-Christian, all the time that work lasted. This gather- 
ing at the canalfurnished agreatevangelistic opportunity. 


PENTECOSTAL TIMES 


During the famine all applications for baptism were 
deferred because things were in such a state of dis- 
traction, and so much time had to be devoted necessarily 
to endeavors to save life. Another reason for this delay 
was the danger of people coming from unworthy mo- 
tives, such as the hope of receiving more help, if they 
professed Christianity. For fifteen months there was 
not a single baptism in the Ongole field. But when the 
famine was passing away and better days began to dawn, 
many expressed a desire to become Christians and to 
make an open profession in baptism, and as the days went 
by these applications increased in number and urgency. 
At length it was evident that the time had come to con- 


3° 


Mel > LO NS TAN See Wiel HL TONG Dea 


sider the applications, and baptize those who were 
deemed worthy. Dr. Warren, the Secretary in Boston, 
in view of the facts, wrote Dr. Clough that the gates 
ought not to be kept closed any longer. 

In June, 1878, 1,168 persons were baptized; in July, 
7,613; and the total number of baptisms during that 
year was 9,606. This brought the membership up to 
12,804. One day during this great ingathering, July 3, 
1878, is made especially notable by the large number of 
persons, 2,222, who were baptized in the Gundlacumma 
River, about ten miles north of Ongole. Word had 


Baptism at Podili 


been sent out directing the preachers to bring all candi- 
dates for baptism to this place. The examination of the 
applicants the day before the baptism was conducted 
by Dr. Clough and about forty preachers, in different 
groups. The administration of baptism began the 
next morning, and was continued till nine or ten o'clock. 
Then at four in the afternoon it was resumed, occupying 
altogether about nine hours. There were six native 
preachers engaged in the administration, but only two 
at a time; they relieved each other as was necessary. 


ESTIMATE OF THIS MOVEMENT 


Naturally enough this great work gave rise to much 
questioning and, in some quarters, to not a little adverse 


31 


Mins Sale Or Ne IN 0 ORU iar I Ne Dates 


criticism regarding its genuineness. But now, after 
twenty-seven years, with all the results seen, a sober 
and just estimate may be made. Making due allowance 
for the element of excitement inseparable from mass 
movements, and also for the lack of disinterested 
motives, so sure to be the case among a people so little 
accustomed to thoughtful, conscientious action, there 
still remains abundant evidence that on the whole the 
work was genuine. The great majority of the converts 
came fully prepared to abandon idolatry; they placed 
themselves under Christian instruction with evident 
sincerity; they believed as children do in the Father 
and Saviour who had been preached to them; and in 
many of them the fruits of the new life were clearly 
manifest. It is probable that the proportion of those 
who afterwards gave no evidence of a change of heart and 
character was no larger than is found to follow great 
religious awakenings in so-called Christian lands. Those 
who know the work best and who have had the fuilest 
opportunities for personal acquaintance with its sub- 
sequent history are convinced of its genuineness. In 
most cases where there was declension and relapse there 
is every reason to believe that it would have been 
avoided, if the needed pastoral care could have been 
supplied. 


THe DECCAN 


The great native state of Hyderabad, the largest of the 
feudatory states in India, lies in the middle of South 
India, between the Bombay and Madras presidencies. 
It is a large territory, and its population is about 11,000,- 
ooo. It is governed by an ancient Mohammedan 
dynasty, the ruler being known as the nizam: hence the 
state 1s commonly called the Nizam’s Dominions, and 
also, but somewhat loosely, the Deccan, this word 
meaning the South. Although the ruling power and 
most of the officials are Mohammedan, nine tenths of 
the subjects are Hindus, and the prevailing language 
throughout all the eastern and southeastern portion is 


32 


Mewes Sel O Ns IN ce) ORION As! LEN Dae. 


Telugu. <A British high official, called the “ resident,” 
is stationed at Hyderabad, and a large British military 
force has long been main- 
tained at Secunderabad, 
six miles distant. 

As early as 1875 it was 
thought desirable to es- 
tablish a mission in this 
memcoiethe Lelucu 
country, and Rev. W. W. 
Campbell and wife opened 
one that year at Secun- 
derabad. At this station 
the work has always been 
two-fold, Telugu and 
English, on account of 
ewes taree nomber of 
British soldiers and other 
English speaking people. 
Many of the soldiers have 
become members of the 
Secunderabad Baptist 
Church. 

From this beginning of 
the mission in the Deccan 
the work has spread until 
now there are six pros- 
perous stations. The 
first one planted, after 
Secunderabad, was Hana- 
makonda. Here Rev. A. 
Loughridge began in 
1879. Then followed 
Palmur, opened by Rev. 
E. Chute in 1885. This Street Scene in Secunderabad 
is a very large field and 
very prosperous. The next is Nalgonda, established by 
Rey. A. Friesen in 1890. This also is a large field, and one 
of the most encouraging in the mission. The last two are 


33 


Mel Sao etOsNes Lan ©) Ses eer Il Ne Daley 


Suriapetta, occupied in 1900 by Rev. A. J. Htibert, and 
Jangaon by Rev. H. Unrtthin rgor. 


THE Hien SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AT ONGorS 


The coming over to Christianity of such a large body 
of people soon brought into prominence the need of 
making provision for the education of their children and 
young people, not only in primary schools, but also by 
establishing an advanced school. The first effort in this 
line was made im 1875, when the anglo-vernacular 


Ongole Baptist College 


college at Orgole was begun, Rev. A. Loughridge being 
designated for this work. Owing to various circum- 
stances the full carrying out of the plan was delayed for 
atime. In 1880 the high school was established, which 
has since grown into a college, affiliated with the Madras 
University. Rev. W. R. Manley was for many years at 
the head of this institution. Since 1800) Protege 
Martin has been the principal, and with him has been 
associated Rev. J. M. Baker, and recently Revasie 
Huizinga. In this high school and college there were, 
in 1903, 392 students in all departmentomiie 
proportion of Christian students in the higher grades, 
as compared with non-Christians, is steadily in- 
creasing. 


34 


Melos 5 LON S TaN ne) Ube eke T Ne DrleA 


SUBDIVISION AND ENLARGEMENT 


In 1880 the first steps were taken to divide the large 
Ongole field which then extended about a hundred miles 
in each direction. The first portion set off was Cum- 
bum, on the west side, occupied by Rev. W. B. Boggs 
in 1883, after he was released from the seminary by the 
return of Dr. Williams from furlough. Vinukonda 
was the next division, and Rev. G. N. Thomssen was its 
first missionary. Then came Narsaravapetta, Rev. R. 
Maplesden; and Bapatla, Rev. E. Bullard. Since then 
six more stations and fields have been formed within the 
bounds of the original Ongole field. In the year 1892 
twenty-five new men came to the mission, and a number 
of new stations were constituted and manned. 


THE JUBILEE OF THE MISSION 


In February, 1886, the jubilee of the mission was held 
at Nellore, the mother station, and was a deeply inter- 
esting occasion. During the ten vears preceding the 
jubilee 25,000 converts from heathenism had been added 
to the mission. The review of the vicissitudes, the dis- 
couragements and the triumphs of fifty years; the 
memorials of the faithful ones who had laid down their 
lives in the service; and the inspiring outlook for coming 
years, conspired to make it an unusually impressive and 
memorable meeting. The records of it are contained 
in a small volume, published soon after, entitled “‘ The 
Lone Star Jubilee.”’ 


Dee AABis sey ISsir 


Petiyeieroo: Rey. HH. C. Mabie, D.D., Home Secre- 
tary of the Missionary Union, having visited the other 
Asiatic missions of the Union, came to the Telugu Mis- 
sion. This was the first visit of an official of the home 
Committee in recent years, and was much aoa 
and enjoyed by the missionaries. A special conference 
was called at Nellore to consult with Dr. Mabie on 
matters of chief importance, and to hear his words of 


35 


M=1e5°5 12O3NeS IN o, OSU eel TSN Sie: 


counsel and encouragement. He was able also to visit 
Ramapatam, Ongole and Cumbum. At Ongole, and at 
the village of Chendalur in that district, and at Cum- 
bum, a large number of persons who were awaiting 
baptism received it at the hands of Dr. Mabie and Dr. 
Waterman, who accompanied him. The reenforcement 
of twenty-five new men, previously referred to, was the 
immediate result of this visit. 


Period III, 1893 - 1904 


Organization and Development 
Leading features: Plans and efforts to conserve the great 


harvests; organization in various directions; growth of the native 
churches in Christian life and service. 


LITERARY WoRK 


One of the first things to be done in a mission that 
would be loyal to Christ, and that would lay a firm 
foundation for the stability of the native church and the 
spiritual growth of its members, is to give them the 
word of God in their own tongue. This work has 
engaged the earnest attention of our missionaries from 
thesmrse: 

The New Testament was translated into Telugu by 
Carey and his co-laborers at Calcutta as far back as 
1818, but the work was necessarily defective. Some 
years after that the whole Bible in Telugu was issued, 
the translation being by Gordon and Pritchett, mis- 
sionaries of the London Missionary Society at Vizaga- 
patam. Following that, various revisions were made 
from time to time, the publishers being the Madras 
Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society. For 
some time both Dr. Jewett and Mr. Timpany of the 
mission were members of the Bible society’s revision 
committee; but the Telugu rendering of certain passages 
in the New Testament, especially the Great Commission 
(Matt. xxviii. 19, 20), was not considered by the Baptist 
missionaries as faithful to the original. The word used 
for baptism also was not acceptable to them. Loyalty 

36 


Meio SI1ONS IN ea) AB al TENG Sik 


to truth, therefore, compelled them to withdraw from 
union with the Madras Bible Society. Thereupon Dr. 
Jewett devoted several years, with the help of capable 
native assistants, to the revision of the Telugu New 
Testament; and Dr. Downie, Dr. McLaurin and others 
labored more or less in this line. A separate version of 
the New Testament was published by the Union and 
continued to be used for about twenty years. 

For some years past there has been a growing desire, 
both on the part of the British and Foreign Bible Society 
and its auxiliary in Madras, and also on the part of the 
Baptist missionaries of the American and Canadian 
societies, for union, if possible, in Bible work, in order 
that the existence of 
two rival versions of 
toe Telugu New 
Testament might be 
peoucht to an end, 
and no longer be a 
puzzle, if not a stum- 
bling-block, to both 
Christians and non- 
Christians. 

Happily this end 
was attained in Jan- 
Mane t004, by-an 
adjustment which does not involve the sacrifice of 
truth. Such proposals, in the matter of translation, 
were made by the Bible society as could be conscien- 
tiously accepted by the Baptist missionaries, and thus 
the longstanding difficulty was removed. This is a 
cause for great thankfulness, as henceforth there will be 
one Telugu Bible for all people speaking that tongue. 

The need of Christian literature in the vernacular has 
been much felt from the beginning of the mission, and 
a good deal has been done first and last to supply this 
need; but it has not been systematic nor adequate. 
Books and tracts have been produced from time to time 
by missionaries whose hands were full of other work; but 


Village School, Kanigiri 


37 


MeleS*salLO Nes I N ENS Pal Hicte Mis i Nepal 


the want is still very great. Books of Christian bi- 
ography; books of a devotional character; helps in 
Bible study; books illustrating the struggles and tri- 
umphs in Christian history; books of useful information; 
books for the young are still almost entirely wanting. 
The need is so great that several missionaries ought, if 
possible, to be devoted entirely to this work. 

A few years ago Dr. J. McLaurin was set apart 
especially for such service. The principal work in this 
department of late has been the production of a Telugu 
commentary on the New Testament, Dr. McLaurin 
being the general editor. Four volumes of the seven or 
eight have already been published, and others will follow. 


Top DELuGcU BAPTIST PUBLICATION OO mada 


This society was formed some years ago, and has done 
good service. If its resources could be increased there 
would be a large field of usefulness for it. The new 
Hymn Book, the commentary on the New Testament, 
and a good many tracts, etc., bear its imprimatur. It 
maintains a book depot, where its publications and 
others may be obtained. 


Woman's WORK 


In common with all evangelical missions, woman’s 
work in the evangelization and instruction of the people 
has been recognized by the Union from the beginning 
as of great importance. School, zenana and medical 
work by women has held a prominent place. The 
missionaries’ wives and the single ladies have rendered 
efficient service. Many of our station schools under 
their supervision and devoted attention have had marked 
prosperity. At several stations zenana work has been 
patiently pursued, and with encouraging results. From 
the beginning, women have taken a large share in the 
work, and much of its prosperity is due to them. 

To complete and render symmetrical our educational 
system a high school for girls has been established 
at Nellore. 


38 


Males > LON S IN ELC Ga), Abe! TING Der: 


MepicaL WorRK 


Recognizing the fact that the healing of the body, be- 
sides being in harmony with the Master's example, is one 
of the surest ways to gain the confidence of the people and 
dispose them to listen to the message of healing for the 
spirit, the mission has endeavored to give to this good 
work the place which it deserves. Hospitals have been 
established at five of our stations; namely, Nellore, 


Hospital at Hanamakonda 


Palmur, Nalgonda, Hanamakonda and Udayagiri; and 
a dispensary at Ramapatam, with duly qualified doctors 
in charge. Up to the present time (1904), most of these 
have been women. The confidence and goodwill which 
have been gained, both among caste Hindus and the Mo- 
hammedans of the Deccan, are surely paving the way for 
the accomplishment of higher good among them. In 
connection with the hospitals, classes of native women 
are trained as nurses and have attained in some cases a 
high degree of proficiency, 
39 


Miles oi l20 NGS IN a) BU aA IN De 


INDUSTRIAL WORK 


industrial work is one of the missionary problems. 
The deep poverty of the people and the tyranny arising 
from hereditary and caste occupations have led to the 
endeavor to teach and promote industries among them. 
Most missions have made efforts in this line, some of 
which seem to be really successful, while some have been 
disappointing. Industrial work is no doubt a good 
thing, if just the right arrangements and methods can 
be found. Probably the chief difficulty has arisen from 
the want of individuality and enterprise in the people. 
After the mission has taught a young man a trade he 
usually thinks it ought also to provide him with work; 
otherwise he feels helpless. It requires push and tact 
on his part to make his way into an occupation which 
has always been in the hands of another class. 

Attempts, on a larger or smaller scale, to teach the 
people trades have been made at a number of our sta- 
tions, with varying degrees of success. Carpentry, 
blacksmithing, bricklaying, weaving, shoemaking, the 
preparation of fibres of various kinds, working in alu- 
minum, etc., have been taught; and in all probability 
there will be encouraging development from these efforts. 
A large central industrial school has been proposed at 
Ongole, which will probably become a reality before 
long. 

Rev. S. D. Bawden was appointed in 1904 with this 
special line of work in view. His training, experience 
and character are such as to give rare promise of wise 
leadership in this work. 


FORMATION OF ASSOCIATIONS 


The Telugu churches have been grouped into associa- 
tions for mutual acquaintance, edification and help. 
There are now the Southern, Central, Kistna, Deccan, 
and Kurnool associations, which meet annually, and 
are generally seasons of refreshing and profit. The 
Telugu people have always been used to social and 


40 


Paleo ol ONS TN S207 Ul bert INS Be 


festive religious gatherings, and so are ready to improve 
all these occasions. At the meetings of the associations 
there are frequent papers and lively discussions, and 
these often lead to improvements in various ways. 
The devotional element holds a large place in all these 
gatherings. The people are taking much interest in 
providing free entertainment for the delegates at the 
place of meeting. 


‘Sena Wamu Iams CONAN ON 


About the year 1897 this convention was formed, and 
much interest has been manifested in its meetings and 
its work. It is composed of delegates from all parts of 
the mission. Its chief work is that of home missions: 
ate is, providing 
for the evangeliza- 
tion of certain classes 
of tribes within the 
Pounds of the. Tel- 
ugu country, and yet 
for the most part des- 
titute of the gospel. 
Among these are the 
Chentsus, inhabiting 
the Nulla Mulla Hills; 
the Yanadies, a very 
low, ignorant and help- 
less people, found 
chiefly in the districts 
near the sea; the L.um- 
badies, an extensive 
gipsy tribe, and others. 
A home missionary 
society was organized, 
evangelists were ap- John Rangiah and Family 
pointed for work 
among these various tribes, and an enthusiastic interest 
has been shown in it since its inception. 

This society has now become a joretgn as well as a 


4I 


Mason le ONES IN CAG! SP el Ie No Dei 


home mission society, for 1n 1903 a nussionary was sent 
to south Africa. For years past many emigrants have 
been going from India to Natal to work on the planta- 
tions there. These included numbers of Telugus, and 
not a few of our Telugu Christians. Knowing that most 
of those in Africa were as sheep having no shepherd, the 
Telugu Home Mission Society decided to send them a 
man as soon as a suitable one could be found. One of 
our best men, John Rangiah, who had been engaged in 
educational ore in the mission for a number of years, 
volunteered for this foreign mission service, the first 
Telugu foreign missionary. His visits to the churches 
and associations before his sailing for Africa awakened 
a missionary enthusiasm, a quickened spirit of prayer, 
and a disposition to contribute freely and gladly, such 
as nothing had previously produced. Itasea striking 
illustration of the truth that the missionary spirit is the 
life of the church. This man and his wife have now 
been im Africa a year, and their work is being attended 
with rich blessings. 
THE Native MINISTRY 

A sketch of the mission would be strangely incomplete 
if it failed to give due recognition to the faithful and 
efficient ministry which God has raised up among the 
Telugu people for the service of the churches. Not a 
few of these men have the witness of a long life of 
devoted service, a godly walk and abundant fruits to 
testify to the genuineness of their call to the ministry. 
A number of the veterans have finished their course and 
gone to their reward. Of those who still survive, men- 
tion may be made of Revs. N. Kanakiah of Nellore, 
ordained forty-two years ago, the first Telugu man or- 
dained in this mission; T. Rangiah of Madras, one of the 
pioneer preachers at Ongole ‘and Ramapatan nearly 
forty years ago; C. Peddiah of Kanigiri; B. Poulu and 
B. Abraham of Ongole, and others from among the first 
fruits of the great ingathering, — men who still preach 
the gospel which they have loved so long. And then, 


42 


Melo LON S IN Sya@eAl Ai ae EN ABE EAN 


the society ministry, what a joy and strength twnany 
of them are! As we watch their growth in knowledge 
and ability, and note the uprightness of their lives and 
the edifying character of their ministry, as evangelists 
and pastors, we thank God for them; and we confi- 
dently expect that the succession will be kept up, and 
that year by year there will come forth from the semi- 
nary at Ramapatan those through whose labors the 
Kingdom will be greatly extended among the Telugus. 


Re SARS OU RIG AiG IEn 


In the beginning of 1902 the mission was favored with 
a visit from Rev. Thomas S. Barbour, D.D., Foreign 
Secretary of the American Baptist Missionary Union. 
This was in the course of his round-the-world visit to 
the missions of the Union. He was present at the an- 


Bazar Scene, Sattanapalli. 


nual conference of the Telugu Mission held that year at 
Ramapatam, and his presence and words ministered 
much satisfaction and encouragement to the mission- 
aries. Besides Ramapatam he visited nine or ten of 
the stations, both in the coast districts and in the 
Deccan. 


Melionot lt OUNgS I N Se) UT EL lANe Dies 


PRESENT POSITION 


A survey of the present state of the mission (1904) 
reveals the following facts: The ‘‘ Lone Star”’ has be- 
come a constellation, embracing 28 mission stations, 
well equipped, and oc- 
cupied by gg missionaries; 
the churches number 125 
and the church members 
55,341. ‘Cherevaremyen. 
many village schools; 
station boarding schools 
at most of the stations: 
a training schoolfor teach- 
ers; several undustrmal 
schools; a high school and 
college; a high school for girls; a theological seminary ; 
a publication society and book depot; and a number of 
hospitals. 


Mission Bungalow at Allur 


OUTLOOK 


The work of the mission thus far, with all its encourag- 
ing results, may be regarded as mainly one of prepa- 
ration. It has been a great and important movement; 
but it has been confined, as has been shown, not by 
human choice but apparently by the overrulimemes 
Providence, largely to one class of the people, and they 
the poorest and weakest. It has begun at the bottom, 
which was the right place, and an extensive foundation 
has been laid. The evangelization of the non-caste 
people within the bounds of the mission, if not nearly 
completed, is at least far advanced. 

What is to be the next stage in the development of 
the work? In all probability another wave of revival 
is near, and this time it will doubtless be the coming in 
of the Sudras, the great middle class, embracing the 
farmers and many classes of artisans, the real bone and 
muscle of the Hindu body. Many of these have long 
been attentive hearers of the gospel; many of them also 


44 


feteor 1b ONS IN DaO eu Lary [SNe aire 


are convinced of its truth, and freely acknowledge it, but 
are held back from embracing it solely by the bonds of 
caste. Moreover, the first fruits of this multitudinous 
caste are already being gathered in at several of our 
stations. As soon as a serious breach is made in the 
fence of caste which surrounds them and keeps them 
within the pale of Hinduism, large numbers will without 
doubt become disciples of Christ. When they come, 
the problem of self{-support will be greatly simplified, if 
not fully solved. 

This outline study of the story of the mission awakens 
deep gratitude to the Lord of the harvest that he ever 
appointed us to such a work, and that he has crowned 
the labors of his servants with so much blessing. It 
also brings the clear conviction that he is still calling 
us forward to enlargement and increase in this greatest 
of all enterprises; and with broader vision we behold, 
in anticipation, the vast multitudes of India’s people 
vet to be brought in. No worthier cause ever called 
for the consecration of all that we hold best and dearest. 
The Kingdom is coming; blessed are they who are 
closely identified with their Lord, both in sacrifice and 
service, for its speedy coming ! 


Telugu Baptist Family in Natal, South Africa 


45 


Meal osS2l.O8NiS IN Dp OSU SEL lL NeDaes 


Roster of Missionaries to the Telugus 
in South India 


The following is a complete list of the names of those who have served in the 
mission from the time of its founding to January 1, 1904. 


Abbreviations: — m., married; * deceased; + retired from the mission. 


DATE OF 
NAMES APPOINTMENT 

+Armstrong, Miss M. M. (m. Guernsey San a MAR. ide TES OFS 
} Bagshaw, Rev. D.S.,and wife .. . oe oe 2 eS Eee eee ee 
Baker, Rev. J.M., and: wile~- ba aaelyge ao ee. ee ne 1805. 
+Beeby, Rev. W. H., and wifaoo0 8 tele o ea ee eEOODEE 
Berijamin,. Miss. J: A.,. Me Do es neon eee Ske. n) (Oe 
*Bergman, Miss Be A, sim. fo eee ak eee Sone 
Bishop, Miss L. E.. . fe ta hee ee Rn ae LOO On 
Boggs, Rev. W. B., and wife . er ee eer eer as i. 
Boggs, Rev. W. E. ‘and WifGS) Bw od Fale, oe o5) ey Se Bo ee en Oo 
Boggess, Rev. W., and swite nc a ee, se oC OD 
Booker, Miss L. BL PE Serie oe oe oo ee Oe 
Breed, Mrs. L. Me M.D. ee wlcdy alla. = ™S, eae ue ee nS Oe 
Brock, Rev. G. aan a ate eee ke mle, See Ones 
Bullard, Rev. on ee ae eee eee eR Ge ky IHL 
Bullard, Mrs; [25 See ee ee es eS Oe 
*Burditt, Reve. Bet 2 ica | we asd cee eee ee 
+Burdtrtt,: Mrsa JP Gee ed ea ee Re ce 
Bustard:, Mrs. Bs Boe a acto) ous a en ee ee TS Om 
Bustard,Miss’'S: Re 8 4) bene at es) kk nee conn cu Oe 
*Campbell, Rev. WeWis. 6 4 Gls cae s aoe soe ey ue ee ESO 
+Camp bell, MrsS Wa Wok = oes Geis ce n,n arene Ore oe 
Chute, Rev. E., and Wik, “sal dome kaw ee ees ot 
Clough, Revaniconeeme i SE ch ae ae Re Se Rss Sen eae 2 
*Clough, Mrs. J. E. 5% Gp ce) BO uy ta day ay Se) cay pee a eT OA 
Coats, Miss C. W., M. Dis fe oa oe a rn 1800. 
+Cummings, Mics EB. Ror PomyGln tap Go ca a ee SOM 


Curtis, Rev. A. H., and wate. 6 Jon ae. We Gee eee r&o2. 
Curtis, Rev. J. Av and wife ee ae Sees Pa | POR, 


Darmstadt, Miss K. . . 1 Ue herd VS GOS, aig OE a Oe 
Davis, Rev. W. S., and WitGte eS, hapa ok, ee re 18092. 
*Day, Rev. 8. S., and wife... ae. oe er 1835. 
Day, Miss M.-Mir. 2 292) ae ee a ee, in ISTE 
Dessa;- Miss:A; Bis Sach es Ss 3 a Sn ee ee 
*Douglass, Rev..F. oon BR ae Roe Se ot a ae 
tDouglass, Mrs. F. i ee ee i ete eee ere ie as CI, 
Downie, Rev. D., and Wile SOCOM aie ede ee: ee ee . noes 
*Downie Miss A. K. . hy en SS Acs Sa SE OrEe 
Downie Miss M. He (m. Stenger) jaw a of te tee ae oe oe OO 
+Drake, Rev. D. F A eer Or i STN, 
*Drake, Mrs. D. i Ce aE So ee ks, a ea co ea ee vel ee aT ae 
+Dudley, Reve T) Pwocek tec! eee ee oS. cd ole oe SOE 
+Dudlev, Mrs. T. P. . sien cee kt SR Ge ae ee ee EOS 
Dussman, Rev. anc. Wiles eaetn ee gut les 2a dae SOee GE oOnm 
tEdgerton, Miss E. F. ee emer ok Se | ESL. 
Elmore, Rev. W. T., and wife J. was. + 2s: 5's 52) oe er 
Faye, Miss Ida, M.D. Sect eevee) So eh dod us) sav ae avy he Tee ee OOS 
Faye, Miss M. D. Sy Ceo cae Goaeal so | ESOS. 
Ferguson, Rev. W. iby and wife Beis! liege AP lach a. ge Re Seo deg Oy ES Oe 
French, Miss K. . . ‘ a eee Bee el 5 RODE), 


Friesen, Rev. A., and "WHEE. osseltt ssh ie Lege ech a, Sey ste TT oO 
+Fuller, Rev. (NG Chere ee eee A, ee eS ao oo | BSOR. 
Oe EC ee teach eg os OG ud of web OD Ovo boo oo PHO 


Males LON S iN 


Om Oars EH. 


[Te Ny Dares 


NAMES 


*Gould, Miss O. W., M.D. 
yGuernsey, Rev. P. B. . 

*Hadley, Rev. C. 

jlulavollons, Wibess (Cp eG 

jHankins, Rev. I. S. . 

{Hankins, Mrs. I.S. . ; 
Heinrichs, Rev. J., and wife ® 
Hopkins, Rev. W. E., and wife . 
Hiibert, Rev. A. J., and wife . 
Huizinga, Rev. H., and wife ee 
Huizinga, Rev. G. J., and wife . 
ReWeLbMINGV tis. Sosis, so ew 
tJewett, Mrs. L. . 

Johnson, nes 124, Mle. ‘and wife 
+Kelly, Mrs. E. M 

Kelly, Miss S. .. 

}Kuhlen, Miss L. Bertha | : 
Kurtz, Miss S. I. (m. Silliman) 
Kurtz, Miss M. K. : 

Kurtz, Rev. F., and. wife 5 at 
Levering, Rev. 'R. Hi: . 
Linker, Miss A. M. . : 
Loughridge, Rev. A., and wife . 
Manley, Rev. W. R., and wife. 
+Maplesden, Rev. in and wife. . 
Marsh, Rev. C. R. : ; 
MatshemVirss Ca Re . ; 
Martin, L. E., and wife. . 
+McKay, Rev. O. Revand wife. 
McLaurin, Rev. J., and wife . . 
*Menke, Miss M: (m, Newhall). 
yMenke, Miss B. . 

*Morgan, Rev. F. E., and wife 
Newcomb, Rev. J., and wife . 
+Newcomb, Miss H. male 
Newhall, Rev. A. ne : wae 
Nichols, Rev. S. W., and wife . . 
Owen, Rev. W.C., and wife . 
*Peabody, Miss L. et Hieron) 
+Pinney, Miss R. E. , 

Powell, Rev. W.. . 

Powell, Mrs. W. . 

*Price, Rev. W. I. 


Rauschenbusch, Miss E. (mn. Clough) ; 


*Rayl, Rev. D. K., and wife . 
Robertson, Miss Minnie A. 
*Schuff, Miss J. Be 5 

TScott, Rev. W. G. 

*Scott, Mrs. W.G. . 

Silliman, Rev. E. E. 

Sipperly, Miss H. M. . . 
Slade, Miss B. (m. Brock) 
+Skinner, Miss I. A. 

Stait, Rev. F. W.., and wife, M. 1D). 
Stanton, Rev. W. A., and wife . 
Stenger, Rev. S. W. .. ; 
Tencate, Miss F.. .. . 
*Timpany, Rev. ae 
+Timpany, Mrs. A. V. 
Timpany, Rev. J.S., and wife. 
Thomssen, Rev. G. N., and wife 
Unrih, Rey, H., and wife 


47 


DATE OF 
APPOINTMENT 
1893. 
1802. 
1800. 
18oo. 
1802. 
1804. 
1888. 
18902. 
1807. 
1800. 
goo, 
1848. 
1848. 
t8oQo. 
Wowie 
T8Qo. 
1803. 
18902. 
1903. 
1892. 
1892. 
1897. 
1874. 
13870. 
i881, 
1892. 
804. 
T8go. 
18o0r. 
1860. 
1880. 
18384. 
1879. 
1884. 
TSot, 
1875. 
1878. 
r8or. 
1871, 
1893. 
T3806. 
1880. 
1870 
1882. 
1882. 
TQOL, 
1887. 
1893. 
1803. 
1884. 
1890. 
1890, 
1890 Ls 
1807. 
1802. 
1QO2. 
1898. 
1863. 
1868. 
1802. 
1881. 
1808. 


MGS Se IO ees IN ea NUS ik Is! I UNVDaieN 


; DATE OF 
NAMES APPOINTMENT 

*Van Husen, Rev. S. and wife... : whee do eyes: oe ee cree 
Wagner, «Miss 12: Ve: Ua ce Gl 2 cy 
*Waterbury,- ev. (Ni UMS 3-3 8 A Ge a ee 
+Waterbury, Mrs. N. M. . . 3 Eo Gey he we tat sc ke se 
+Wayte, Miss J. E. Gn. Phinney) a Cer Ss, | SG KEEL, 
Whitaker, Miss D.. . . ae re eee AR A 3 | Ee. 


+Williams, Rev. RR: oles @ si. kee see fee 
*Williams, Mrs. R. = bode ce ye be A bw Upto eee eee gn one 
+Williams, Mrs. R. : re rere 2 | SIL E. 
*Wood, Miss M. A. ae Newhall) ee a wer ut Ay Sd Ge eee 


Mission Stations in South India 


Nore. — It will be observed by readers of the foregoing sketch that there 
is an apparent discrepancy between the date of opening the first station, in 1840, 
and the beginning of mission work among the Telugus, in 1836. Both dates 
are correct, however; work having been carried on for four years in various 
places betore the permanent location at Nellore was chosen, 


NAMES WHEN OPENED 


Nellore... a Sa ee eS Re Oe oes 
Ongole | 5.. 5 cases ae 3 eee a a Dine ee, Oe 
Ramapatam, p05. & cca ee soe BA ck a te SO ad Oe 


MME OP 6: ee ee ee i es cee ST ee 
Secunderabad: wo) yee eae een oe oid Day oe oe 1875. 
Kurnool *. 4. @ <a weak SES 2 2 E, Ee, fo ce SO 
Madirasiaa ae er en Re PR ye | RARE, 
Hatiamakonda.. wn 2 bp be ee eee 1879. 
Cumbuin 94% Me wy oa ee ee ee Re ee TOC 
Virntkonda. 2.3 Sai Sos Gh an ee es i eee 
Narsaravapetta. «20 40%. 1 eg) iS ei act ac ear ne, ered) At CE SOS 
Bapatla, 2. 0-2 ho ee ee ee © a rT ee 
Udayagin <8 205 50305 &. See 5 RG Bd eS ee ELC ones 


Palmiur ..0 42.08 ha eS, Se se ee TO ae 
Nalgonda 2.2 2) & <0 oe Gok. 2 Ee ee ee Co 
Kathigiri 2. 4 S. re) gee. eek 2 Se oe 2 ee oes 
Kavali, 4. 23 @ sp he as ee le a ee ee 
Kamdaaketar= Joys. ae. eee es ice coe ey er ict rE 
Atmakur sc lsu oot) oats hn ey a ee Pee 
Podilt cu GS dl ea De ei Ee Wes Ree eT 
Darsi go hee vias ah loam gece a) Ge e/a sapere ten, Cea Sacd: keh cop erst sts ie TR 
Sattanapalli as Tan, “wel tes “Se seh Yep Tega est SR stem cp ah renee cz) oe aT 


Markapur NOES aa ribrash yal eo eee ees ee ios WS) Dag SCO Oise 
Gurdalla sO aesee 1h te meme a anna eee ge ee PO | ENGYSE 
murda Dette) wi vo Manel cima meee ite oem 3 si cane. Led aoe Oe 
Jangaon . ‘ rQOr- 


Gudval’ fo s)c ace a ee eee a esl ee 
MEVhe lh a MED Geir Godse hb So lo eo oo | BOSE 


For additional copies of this leaflet (at five cents 
each) and other literature on the 
Telugu Mission, address, 


The Literature Department 
AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY UNION 


TREMONT TEMPLE, BOSTON, MAss. 


5M-8-04 


